Seventh Annual Bison Bicycle Tour Runs April 7

Ever seen bison on bikes? The first Saturday in April will feature a thundering herd of two-wheelers roaming around Shawnee.

Oklahoma Baptist University hosts the seventh annual Bison Bicycle Tour, April 7. The BBT begins at 9 a.m. in front of the university’s Noble Complex.

The tour is organized by OBU’s Division of Music to raise funds for music student scholarships. More than 40 OBU music students, as well as faculty and staff of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, will help in operating of the event.

“After the first year, when we had 25 riders come, I never would have expected it to grow to 150 riders last year,” said Dr. Jim Vernon, OBU associate professor of music and chairman of the music division. “We are expecting nearly 200 riders this year.”

Vernon, the founder of the BBT, said a men’s timed race team challenge is an added dimension this year. The challenge is a 50-mile timed race with a small monetary prize for the team with the best time by the first five team members at the finish line.

“The team challenge offers racers a chance to build their team racing skills before some of the later spring races, such as the Redbud and the Tulsa Tough,” said Vernon, who is an avid cyclist. “We hope to add a women’s component to the team challenge in the future.”

Last year’s race was the first to feature route changes as well as additional routes. The BBT will once again offer 10, 25 and 50 mile tours, with added rest stops. Refreshments will be provided at the stops, as well as live music by OBU students.